All AIS Strength and Conditioning coaches have undertaken university courses in either Exercise Science, Human Movement, Sport Science, Physical education or a related field. TAFE offers a practical pathway into strength and conditioning, but if you want to work as a high level strength and conditioning coach you will need to obtain a university degree during your career. Apart from academic knowledge, you should have a passion for sport and be willing to obtain practical experience in strength and conditioning. Casual work or volunteering with various sports and recreational organisations is a great way to build your knowledge base as well as giving you that vital experience you need to obtain a professional strength and conditioning job once qualified. Initial courses that should be the starting point of your career in strength and conditioning are the Australian Strength and Conditioning Associations level 1 and level 2 courses. These courses give you the basic knowledge required to develop and implement basic strength and conditioning programs for beginner and intermediate level athletes. The Australian Weightlifting Federation level 1 weightlifting and Sports Power license is another desirable qualification. This course provides specific technical instruction on the Olympic Lifts and their variations, which is highly relevant to the field of strength and conditioning.

Jobs within the AIS Strength and Conditioning discipline occasionally become available. These positions are advertised on the AIS website as well as in National paper's job guides.

There are professional Strength and Conditioning coaches within all major football codes (AFL, Union, League, and Soccer) and teams within Australia, as well as within the SIS/SAS/AIS networks. Some national sporting organisations also employ their own Strength and Conditioning coaches, e.g. Tennis.

There are a number of differences between a Strength and Conditioning coach and a Personal Trainer/Gym Instructor. Firstly the qualifications into these careers are different. There are many different pathways you can take to become a Personal Trainer/Gym Instructor. This can be done through TAFE or a private organisation like The Australian Institute of Fitness. To become a Strength and Conditioning coach it is recommended that you complete a university degree in human movement or sports science and also complete the Australian Strength and Conditioning Associations courses (up to level 3). Secondly the focus of the job is different. Personal Trainers/Gym Instructors deal with the general public who are looking to increase fitness and improve aesthetics by losing weight and toning up. The Strength and Conditioning coach works predominately with fit, healthy, athletic people with a goal of improving performance.

A typical day in Strength and Conditioning involves: - Designing and delivering targeted conditioning programs. These programs could be field, track, pool or gym based. - Assisting and monitoring athletes during their training sessions. - Meeting with each sports Head Coach, Physiotherapist, Doctor and other service providers to discuss planning and periodisation of athletes training programs and upcoming competitions.

Work experience is not available with the AIS Strength and Conditioning department.

The AIS Strength and Conditioning department is unable to assist you with your ASCA Level 1 and 2 supervised coaching hours. It would be best to contact your local sporting clubs to build up these hours.

No, the AIS Strength and Conditioning department cannot write a program for anyone who is not on AIS scholarship.

The Australian Strength and Conditioning Association is a good source to find a Strength and Conditioning coach in your local area. See also our resources page for readily available sources that you can purchase to increase your knowledge.

The general public does not have access to the AIS Strength and Conditioning facility. However, there is a second gym located onsite, Swim and Fitness, which offers memberships to the public.